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Alternative Plot

Started by Narcis Oct 27, 2005 at 8:27 AM 7 replies 1.3k views

Original Post

Oct 27, 2005 at 8:27 AM

I've seen this discussed before, except discussing alternative endings (specificly: http://www.gamedev.net/community/forums/topic.asp?topic_id=326987). But I was wondering about alternative story information, but with the same ending... take for example: The player chooses not to go help the other faction, thus resulting in war between a. faction, and b. faction. Yet in the future end of the story, it still turns out the same way. Personally I would find this quite intreging seeing as I can shape the story based on my actions and personal decisions, rather than a straight forward were-going-to-war-anyway style. I find that this way may be less of a conflict with the player's self, trying to see how the other ending turned out (in an alternative ending style), but, on the other hand, its similar to the same way (as an alternative story-peice style), and if the player feels they must see how the other alternative story peices are, we end up back in square one. Anyone have any ideas or views on this?

TechnoGoth

Oct 27, 2005 at 11:26 AM

I'd find it rather unrewarding if I could shape the plot but those changes had no effect on the ending I recived.

someboddy

Oct 27, 2005 at 11:54 AM

On the other hand, it will make it easier to make a sequal... evreyone love sequals...

templewulf

Oct 27, 2005 at 12:19 PM

I just had to chime in with a reference to Street Fighter. You essentially only decide one plot element: who wins the tournament. But when you make a sequel, only one person could have won.

So, what have they done over the years? Delicious RetCons....mmmm....!

orionx103

Oct 27, 2005 at 9:39 PM

Yeah, and can you say, "Mortal Kombat?" Same deal.

Way Walker

Oct 27, 2005 at 10:15 PM

I wouldn't mind it, so long as my decision changed why it happened. Make it like Oedipus Rex (The prophecy comes true because they try to prevent it) or like the new version of The Time Machine (She was just meant to die at that point, all he could change was how).

It'll also help if you wrap it in some sort of spiritual mumbo-jumbo (That's why The Matrix was so popular) about destiny.

Also, allowing the player to change "minor" points would be a good idea. Let the player save Aeris (but maybe that kills Tifa? I'm a big fan of trade-offs where there's no "perfect" play). Things that don't affect the main plot or sequels, but can give some a sense of accomplishment (but realize catering to all audiences is usually a bad idea).

Narcis

Oct 27, 2005 at 10:46 PM

Quote:
Original post by Way Walker
Also, allowing the player to change "minor" points would be a good idea. Let the player save Aeris (but maybe that kills Tifa? I'm a big fan of trade-offs where there's no "perfect" play). Things that don't affect the main plot or sequels, but can give some a sense of accomplishment (but realize catering to all audiences is usually a bad idea).

Thats exactly what I ment, things that would change the game, but not the story at hand (unlike some misc. examples given).

Encicra

Oct 28, 2005 at 2:38 PM

I think there would be more drive to find out an alternate ending because it would be new. If you already know the ending the story doesnt mean as much so I don't think going back to do it again would be as rewarding.

Way Walker

Oct 28, 2005 at 4:44 PM

Quote:
Original post by Encicra
I think there would be more drive to find out an alternate ending because it would be new. If you already know the ending the story doesnt mean as much so I don't think going back to do it again would be as rewarding.

Maybe not for you, but I replay games with completely set plots just because I love the story and characters (FFVI, FFIV, FFIX, Deus Ex in particular). Then again, I'm also the sort who will reread a book ('Til We Have Faces, Rendevous with Rama, Harry Potter, Watership Down are favorites) or rewatch a movie (Almost Famous, A River Runs Through It, A Knight's Tale, Pirates of the Carribean).

Fallout I&II had only one ending each, but you changed the rest of the world. Those're considered by many to be the games that define "Replayable CRPG".

I'm not trying to convince you to enjoy this sort of game, I'm just arguing that there are people who would enjoy this sort of game.

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